“The current vaccine is not effective against the B strain, which is responsible for 20-30 percent of meningitis cases,” DeMaria said.
In addition, the $70 vaccine lasts only a few years, and DeMaria said additional booster shots are not recommended because they make people more susceptible to contracting the disease.
An improved vaccine will be available in 2005 for $140.
Meningococcal vaccinations are not covered by student insurance plans, and the hefty price tag might deter some students from electing the take the vaccination, said DeMaria.
Rosenthal said the high costs of the vaccine versus the relative low risk of the disease is an issue which UHS is examining.
“Over this next week, we will be meeting with parents and encourage students to get the vaccination,” he said.
UHS will make a recommendation to the College on how the new law will add to the student health fee, Rosenthal said.
—Staff writer Risheng Xu can be reached at xu4@fas.harvard.edu.